On the basis of early leaks and raw scans, One Piece 1077 appears to include spectacular battles, exciting new developments in the story, and humorous interludes. There is, however, one item that has disappointed the audience. When the Straw Hat Pirates were formed, Usopp wasn’t supposed to become their best fighter. Recent arcs, however, have seen him perform very poorly in terms of both power and narrative focus. Usopp’s dismal run of form in One Piece appears to continue in chapter 1077.
Usopp has yet another dismal performance in One Piece episode 1077.
To be sure, Usopp never intended to be a powerhouse, but he should still be able to do a decent job. Usopp is one of the Straw Hat Pirates. He has the ambition to be a “brave warrior of the sea” like his father Yasopp but is physically weak and timid by nature. Usopp decided to join the crew of the Straw Hat after Luffy, Zoro, and Nami helped him save his companion Kaya and the Syrup Village from the Black Cat Pirates. He got particularly close to Luffy, and the two of them quickly became best of friends. There are a lot of jokes because of Luffy and Usopp’s antics. They also have a link to the Red Hair Pirates since they look up to Shanks and Yasopp, two of the crew members.
Disagreements arose from Usopp’s timidity and Luffy’s fearlessness. Usopp is highly emotional, often bursting into tears or exploding in anger when under emotional duress. The uncertainty and dread that drives his cowardice. Usopp felt like a burden on the crew after being severely battered by the Franky Family and facing the prospect of losing the Going Merry, the ship he had grown to love. Because of this, he became hostile against Luffy. Later on, Zoro insisted that Luffy refuse Usopp’s presence on the crew until the latter apologised to the captain. Luffy was relieved to have Usopp back in the crew after he apologised for his previous actions. Usopp is a coward, but he is able to overcome his fears in a crisis and act bravely for the sake of those he cares about, both those he knows well and those he doesn’t. He attempts to overcome his fears by pushing through.
It is this mindset that shapes Usopp into a fierce fighter. Even though Usopp is supposedly the least powerful of the Straw Hat Pirates, author Eiichiro Oda has designated him as such. Usopp has often shown himself to be a skilled strategist throughout the series. He is so cunning and strategic that even his physically superior opponents can’t stand a chance against him. Even his natural resourcefulness served him well during combat situations. Nonetheless, Usopp’s fondness for Observation Haki more than makes up for his lacklustre raw power. This ability, like his marksmanship, may have been passed down from his father, who possesses similar capabilities but at a far higher degree of competence. However, Usopp is notorious for his lying ways, to the point that he takes pleasure in making up stories to tell his friends and complete strangers alike for the sake of impromptu comedic relief. Usopp is kind and kind despite his timid demeanour. His goal is to improve as a person and as a boxer.
How can Usopp become as accomplished as his dad?
Being father and son, the similarities between Yasopp and Usopp are striking. They’re related through blood, but they also have similar tastes. Both are skilled marksmen and Observation Haki practitioners. Yasopp is a powerful member of the Red Hair Pirates, while Usopp is one of the weakest Straw Hats, if not the worst. There is now a significant distinction between them because of this. Neither Yasopp’s missiles nor his Observation Haki abilities can compare to those of the enemy. Equally sought after by both the Straw Hat Pirates and the Red Hair Pirates is the mythical One Piece treasure. Usopp, though, appears to have a ways to go before he can stand his own and argue with his father. Yasopp is a very skilled warrior, and a leading example of his rank, the Commander tier. When compared to such formidable combatants, Usopp is just not in the same league. His most recent performances haven’t exactly set the world on fire, either.
Usopp was defeated in Wano by Page One, the weakest of the Flying Six of the Beasts Pirates, who is no match for even the weakest Commander. Indeed, Usopp displayed remarkable toughness by withstanding blows from Page One and Ulti, her older sibling. A real one-on-one victory in the New World, however, has eluded him thus far. This is nowhere near good enough to compete with Yasopp.
We demand much more from Usopp
Usopp was obviously no match for the combined might of the Monster Three. While Sanji has inherited his family’s genetic improvements, both Luffy and Zoro are dangerous Haki users who aspire to become the Pirate King and the World’s Strongest Swordsman, respectively. As compared to Usopp, the potential of even the likes of Fishman Karate master and former Warlord Jinbe, cyborg Franky, and Devil Fruit addicts Nico Robin and Brook is far higher. Fans of One Piece hoped Usopp would be able to hold his own against Nami and Chopper. Usopp didn’t make significant progress in his talents while Nami gained access to Zeus and Chopper mastered Monster Point. Even when compared to the least capable members of the Straw Hat Pirates, Usopp stands in stark contrast to his father, a seasoned pirate in his own right. Even though Usopp lacked physical prowess in the first series, he was portrayed more convincingly. His guile and deception allowed him to compete admirably even against Luffy.
Although Luffy wasn’t giving his best, Usopp nonetheless put up a good performance. The sharpshooter used his ingenuity to cause as many difficulties as possible for a far more powerful adversary. After what must be several hundred chapters, Usopp seemed to have virtually regressed. Usopp doesn’t seem to have progressed much despite the Straw Hats essentially being a Yonko crew. In the manga, Usopp’s Observation Haki from Dressrosa was never brought up again. Only in the film One Piece: Red was this stressed, and even then it was more of a father-son teamwork moment than a military achievement. Usopp hasn’t used his Observation Haki since the Dressrosa Arc, despite its potential to greatly enhance his performance as a sharpshooter. Author Eiichiro Oda of One Piece hopefully has Usopp in mind for a future plot point. It’s unreasonable to expect Usopp to compete at the same level as Luffy, Zoro, and the rest. Despite his limitations, though, he has to improve his performance at least a little at this point in the One Piece canon.
Since his fight with Perona in the Thriller Bark Arc, Usopp hasn’t even been in a meaningful one-on-one conflict. The New World characters he faces are often fairly ordinary or below, and he usually loses to them or gets beaten up off-screen. Usopp missed a fantastic opportunity to shine at the Wano Arc. The arc has given equal time to each member of the Straw Hat Pirates, even Usopp, whose involvement was little.
Usopp, in One Piece, Chapter 1077
The most recent episode in the series did little to improve Usopp’s case. On the contrary, it may have been yet another unfortunate turn of circumstances that prevented his character from playing a direct role in the goings-on on Egghead. From what we can tell from spoilers and raw scans, One Piece 1077 will continue to follow the conflict between the Straw Hat Pirates (who are looking for Dr Vegapunk) and the cyborgs of the Seraphim Unit (who are causing havoc on Egghead). Usopp was put in the same group as Franky and the two of Dr Vegapunk’s satellites, Lilith and York. York, who became terrified after the gang discovered S-Snake, the Seraphim modelled on Boa Hancock, had already been lost. Later on, Franky, Usopp, and Lilith all came to the same conclusion. Usopp was unable to aid the cause before succumbing to S-influence. Snake’s Franky and Lilith made an effort to defend themselves, but they were ultimately overpowered.
Indeed, Seraphims pack a serious punch. Incorporating the Lineage Factor of disgraced members of the Seven Warlords, and fortified by the unique abilities of the Lunarian tribe, these beings are cyborgs. No one had any illusions that Usopp could hold his own against such formidable foes. In any case, he might have at least attempted to remedy the situation. He might have utilised his knowledge of the Seraphims they had already encountered to formulate a strategy. It’s not embarrassing to lose against an overpowering opponent, but it is disheartening to put up no resistance at all. Fans probably weren’t expecting Usopp to actually slow down an enemy Seraphim, but it would still be a fantastic feat.
Final Reflections
Usopp’s goal of being a fearless naval warrior is, however, more aspirational than realisable. Usopp’s goal was never to become omnipotent, but rather to conquer his irrational terror. Usopp is a stand-in for any regular person who could be interested in joining a group of superhumans on an exceptional journey. Nonetheless, Nami has developed into a respectable warrior despite her inherent humanity and weakness. That’s why it’s understandable if some readers are dissatisfied with how One Piece creator Eiichiro Oda treats Usopp. Since that Usopp’s father was a renowned pirate, it’s reasonable for viewers to hope that he can achieve at least his father’s status.
Instead, Usopp has little muscle and no strength. Nevertheless, he was given much less screen time than the rest of the Straw Hat Pirates. The situation worsened in One Piece 1077, likely ending Usopp’s active presence on Egghead.